Child sponsors often wonder about the impact they’re making in the life of their sponsored child. They may ask themselves questions like, “Does my sponsored child have the right training to develop the skills they need?”, “Does my sponsored child see their full potential, as I see it?”, or “How is my sponsored child inspiring others in their community?”
While we can’t give you the progress stories for every sponsored child in this article, here are four stories from four parts of the world that show just a glimpse of how the care and support of a child sponsor can shape lasting change in not only their sponsored child’s life but in the lives of families and communities, too.
- Dina, Lebanon
- Phally, Cambodia
- Lizbeth, Honduras
- Aisha, Uganda
Training for success: Youth committee empowers and creates future leaders
“I learned since I was little about rights of the children, and I want to help other children understand that” – Dina
World Vision is paving the way for the youth of the area so they become more involved in their communities by establishing a youth committee. Advocating for child rights is their priority, especially where many children are deprived of their basic needs. Members train to acquire skills that they believe are helping them with their daily lives, including child protection and advocacy training.
19-year-old Dina, a former sponsored child, is one of the 25 committee members. Being a sponsored child fueled her enthusiasm to join the youth committee. “We are preparing for an initiative, awareness sessions for children and caregivers on the importance and precautions from child labour and the wellbeing of children”, Dina reveals.
Aside from the youth committee, Dina also engages in many volunteering projects in the area, and thanks to the new skills obtained with World Vision, she is more confident during her civic engagement duties.
Leading by example: Learning self-protection inspired Phally to teach other children the same
"We are all born the same, so we should have equal rights. I learned about my rights and how to protect myself.” – Phally
Living in Cambodia, Phally grew up with challenges that stemmed from discrimination and shame. She was also living in extreme poverty and suffering from complicated health issues.
But with the support of her sponsor, Phally learned how to protect herself and others. She also honed in on other life skills like self-confidence and public speaking. Now Phally leads a youth club and teaches other children – even adults – how to protect themselves.
She wants every child in her community to feel as empowered as she does and is determined to get them there. “I wanted to become a leader so other children know about their rights, and I want them to know about my story and show them that I can do anything,” Phally says. “When I am finished school, I want to see other children become the next generation of leaders.”
Showing up: How Lizbeth’s sponsor inspired her to build a career caring for other children
"Thanks to the donors because they always help, they were the people who supported my community." – Lizbeth (middle)
Former sponsored child Lizbeth built a special, unique connection with her sponsor. Although there was a physical distance between them, Lizbeth knew her sponsor was always present in her life.
She not only received gifts and numerous letters, but Lizbeth was able to meet her sponsor in person for her 15th birthday, “She told me that she admired me for how strong I was and that she looked at me like a daughter."
After receiving a quality education and training as a sponsored child, she is now a medical student specializing in Pediatrics. Her goal is to give back to help the most vulnerable girls and boys. “I plan to graduate, get a job, and a master's degree." Lizbeth concludes.
The value of a dollar: How Aisha and her friends are paving the way for other children to grow financially
"Money management is not just for adults," Aisha (middle) says. "We youngsters can also save and build our money."
16-year-old sponsored child Aisha is changing mindsets and disproving assumptions about children and money. She tells us, “The mentality had to shift from being viewed as too young to be involved in financial affairs.” She and her friends are living proof that children can learn about money from early on, with the support of their sponsors.
After receiving training in World Vision’s Saving for Transformation Model, Aisha and other members of her savings group are paving the way for other children in their community to become entrepreneurs.
The group saves UGX1,000 shillings each week (around $0.36 CAD) and after a year of saving up, the group purchased a sow that produced six piglets. “Soon, they will multiply and we will make a lot of money. We will use some money to buy ourselves books and other necessities and invest the balance.” Aisha says.
Child sponsorship gives vulnerable girls and boys the opportunity to invest their time in programs and training that lead them to produce long-term results.
When sponsors invest in children, the children find the confidence to invest in themselves and learn the importance of giving back to their community, one step at a time.
by Christina Cook